Ruark Audio R2 Mk4 (Espresso) is rated
out of
5 by
62.
Ruark Audio R2 Mk4 (Espresso)
Streaming Music System
£479
Spacious stereo sound, comprehensive streaming and a premium finish all come together to make the latest Ruark R2 Mk4 an unbeatable compact system.
Superb, stereo sound
Who better than audio experts, Ruark, to bring you top quality, stereo sound. With Ruark’s own NS+ stereo speakers, you hear the music exactly as it was intended. The tuned, bass reflex cabinet gives low distortion and a rich, powerful sound. Audio grade components are used throughout, with the 18 watt amplifier easily filling larger rooms with smooth, full-bodied sound.
Stream your favourite music
Connect up to your Broadband connection via wi-fi or Ethernet and stream all the music you want. Compatible with popular services such as Spotify Connect (with Premium account), Amazon Music and Deezer, the R2 gives you access to a near limitless range of music. If you enjoy listening to radio and podcasts from around the world, Internet radio services, including catch-up services are also on hand.
SmartRadio Tuner
As well as Internet radio, the R2 Mk4 is equipped with a DAB/FM tuner. DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) gives access to the widest range of stations, in crisp and clear digital sound quality. In case your favourite stations aren't available in DAB, this Ruark radio is also equipped with an FM tuner.
Wireless Bluetooth connection
For quick and easy connectivity, the R2 also features Bluetooth V5.0. Connect your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth music source and effortlessly stream your stored music or streaming music services.
Connect USB-C, 3.5mm and headphones
More than just a music streamer and radio, the Ruark R2 is the hub of your entire music system. With a 3.5mm analogue input, you can connect a CD player or turntable (equipped with phonostage and suitable cables). For a direct connection with your Hi-Res player, smartphone or computer, there’s also a USB-C connection for playback and charge. For listening in private, a headphone socket is also included.
Easy control, with Rotodial
At the centre of the R2 Mk4, you’ll find Ruark’s signature control system – Rotodial. This intuitive control system groups all the functions together and makes it easy to switch between sources, change the volume, change tracks and more. Alternatively, there’s the UNDOK app for smartphone control. As a further cost option, Ruark supply a dedicated R2 mk4 remote control.
Premium finishes
As you’d expect from this high-end audio brand, the Ruark R2 is finished to the highest standards. Whether you choose Espresso or Light Cream, the deep lacquer finish stands out from the crowd. This is complemented by the full colour, bonded glass display and light or dark wood, slatted speaker grille.
Compact and stylish but still serious about sound, the Ruark R2 Mk4 hits the right note every time.
Superb, stereo sound
Who better than audio experts, Ruark, to bring you top quality, stereo sound. With Ruark’s own NS+ stereo speakers, you hear the music exactly as it was intended. The tuned, bass reflex cabinet gives low distortion and a rich, powerful sound. Audio grade components are used throughout, with the 18 watt amplifier easily filling larger rooms with smooth, full-bodied sound.
Stream your favourite music
Connect up to your Broadband connection via wi-fi or Ethernet and stream all the music you want. Compatible with popular services such as Spotify Connect (with Premium account), Amazon Music and Deezer, the R2 gives you access to a near limitless range of music. If you enjoy listening to radio and podcasts from around the world, Internet radio services, including catch-up services are also on hand.
SmartRadio Tuner
As well as Internet radio, the R2 Mk4 is equipped with a DAB/FM tuner. DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) gives access to the widest range of stations, in crisp and clear digital sound quality. In case your favourite stations aren't available in DAB, this Ruark radio is also equipped with an FM tuner.
Wireless Bluetooth connection
For quick and easy connectivity, the R2 also features Bluetooth V5.0. Connect your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth music source and effortlessly stream your stored music or streaming music services.
Connect USB-C, 3.5mm and headphones
More than just a music streamer and radio, the Ruark R2 is the hub of your entire music system. With a 3.5mm analogue input, you can connect a CD player or turntable (equipped with phonostage and suitable cables). For a direct connection with your Hi-Res player, smartphone or computer, there’s also a USB-C connection for playback and charge. For listening in private, a headphone socket is also included.
Easy control, with Rotodial
At the centre of the R2 Mk4, you’ll find Ruark’s signature control system – Rotodial. This intuitive control system groups all the functions together and makes it easy to switch between sources, change the volume, change tracks and more. Alternatively, there’s the UNDOK app for smartphone control. As a further cost option, Ruark supply a dedicated R2 mk4 remote control.
Premium finishes
As you’d expect from this high-end audio brand, the Ruark R2 is finished to the highest standards. Whether you choose Espresso or Light Cream, the deep lacquer finish stands out from the crowd. This is complemented by the full colour, bonded glass display and light or dark wood, slatted speaker grille.
Compact and stylish but still serious about sound, the Ruark R2 Mk4 hits the right note every time.
Smart Features
Smartphone control
Yes
Connectivity
Aux Input
Yes (3.5mm)
Bluetooth
Yes
DLNA Compliant
Yes
Headphone Output
Yes
USB
Yes (USB-C)
Wi-Fi Built In
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
2 years
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
55 - 20,000
Loudness Control
Yes
Power Output
18 watts
Power Output - Watts per CH
10 - 29
Tone Controls
Yes
Features
Alarm/Clock
Yes
Internet Radio Services
Yes
Number Of Presets
8 Per Mode (FM/DAB/Internet Radio)
Power Supply
Mains
Text Display
Yes
Tuner Radio
Internet/DAB/FM
Energy Consumption
Power Consumption - Normal Use (W)
5-10
Power Consumption - Standby
1.6
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
340 x 185 x 150
Weight
Weight (KG)
2.9
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Snickjam from
R2Mk4 Excellent
Excellent sound quality and design, a great replacement for my failed Bose Wave radio (20yrs) and of course way more versatile.
As in the past, very happy to support such good audio equipment from UK
Date published: 2023-09-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jphn from
Great system that could be improved
It makes a great compact bedroom music system. The sound quality is excellent bearing in mind it's size. It has all the features of a good DAB/FM radio, plus access too many Internet radio stations to count via your WiFi system and the ability to play MP3s from a memory stick. Nice app to control it from a phone. It looks classy too. However, there are some improvements that could be made:
1. Include a 7-day programmable wake-up timer that can be set to different times each day. The days of the traditional working week and weekend have gone for many of us. Our days off could be any day of the week. Also, allow the on-time to be set by the user - an hour is not enough on my off-days.
2. Have a dedicated button on the case to start the sleep timer to a pre-programmed duration time as well as the station. It's a bit of a chore to have to keep going through the sleep timer menu every night.
3. Make a little compartment to hold the memory stick. It's very vunerable to being snapped off and damaging the USB port the way it sticks out the back.
4. Make it easier to tighten up the aerial connector should it work loose while adjusting the aerial. The fixing nut is recessed and impossible to get hold of to tighten.
5. Include the remote control in the price. The app is ok'ish, but it's difficult to use from the bed because you have to find your glasses in the dark, then find the phone, unlock the phone, find the app. Much easier to use a remote control in the dark. THis music system is not a cheap product, so the extra cost of the remote control would not really be noticed by a purchaser.
6. Have a bigger display that can be more easily seen at night my users with poor eyesight. We don't tend to wear glasses in bed.
Date published: 2023-08-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
cuth1974 from
Great sound and easy to use
2 weeks in and very impresses. Easy to set up and configure, and the UNDOK app seems great. Enjoying the option of Internet radio if there's nothing on my usual DAB stations. Sound is excellent as expected. Very impressed so far.
Date published: 2023-07-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ady. C from
The best bed side radio alarm clock by far
Good size for bedroom, I really like the smart Alarm clock and all the different settings. The sound quality is second to none it’s as if not better than my R5. Highly recommend it
Date published: 2023-07-08
Rated 4 out of
5
by
AWLy from
Living with the Ruark R2 Mk4
I do recommend this product, I think it covers a lot of bases for a table top radio and looks great. After some break-in time, the sound of the unit has opened up and there a good number of sources to choose from. The size of the unit is just right: not too big, yet has a 'stereo' feel. The Rotodial controls are intuitive and very easy to learn, initial unit setup is a breeze and controlling it through either the Undok or Oktiv app is a nice way to go.
I'd rate this a 5-star unit but for the following dings, in no particular order:
- I'd like the display to be a bit bigger.
- I'd like the addition of the streaming service Qobuz (and I suspect some folks would like Tidal).
- The FM tuner, when compared to the tuner on the Revo SuperConnect at my office, is a bit weaker and noisier. Stations that I know have a strong signal seem to have a small bit of background hiss to them.
- I'll reserve final judgement on the sound of the Ruark as it continues to break in, but I do feel like the Revo is bit punchier in the bass department and bit clearer in the top end. I can't say that that is more accurate however, I think it is a matter of preference.
Date published: 2023-07-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tobias from
Unfortunately
Great sound.. cool design.. but… unfortunately my dilsplay‘s also flickering by using Spotify and other sources. Bought my R2 three days ago..
What‘s Tobias do?
Date published: 2023-07-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anna G from
Excellent quality and sound.
I have had the Ruark R2 for a few weeks now, and I am impressed my the excellent build quality and the sound from this radio. Internet stations are easy to find and add to a preset, and the streaming of music is smooth, without interruptions. I have tried streaming music via bluetooth from my tablet computer and this sounds great. I can recommend this radio.
Date published: 2023-06-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Another Ruark Triumph
A wonderful bedroom radio with great sound and packed with features.
Date published: 2023-06-10
